Don’t Scan That QR Code Yet, Do This First and Thank Me Later

Before scanning this QR code, did you know that crooks can exchange QR codes to encourage people to put their information back and steal their money? Yes, we reported an incident in 2023. Quick advance for now, they are still there and they don’t slow down. But the good news is that you can protect yourself by scanning QR codes with secure QR code scanners, not just any generic application.

Regular QR scanners simply decode the code and send you to any link behind, no question asked. The secure QR scanners, on the other hand, check the security destination before landing on the page. Here are the best secure QR code scanners that I use and recommend personally.

3

Lionic secure Code Code scanner

The Lionic secure Code Code scanner is a light safety application without frills that I like to use. This is a great option if you frequently analyze QR codes to download applications, open websites or make payments.

At less than 6 MB on Android and only 15 MB on iOS, it will not take up too much space on your phone during installation. The interface is clean, minimal and super easy to use, although you cannot personalize your settings or functions.

It costs $ 6 a year and as low as $ 2 in some regions. You can also try it completely for free for 7 days, and it is without advertising, which is a huge plus. It might have saved those who fell into the fraud of the QR code of the Carta park park in 2023.

It supports a variety of QR code types, offering you wider protection in all areas. After installing the application, simply create an account, choose a plan (free trial included) and you are ready to start scanning safely.

It has a switch to pocket lamp for low light scanning and a Gallery Tab that allows you to scan the QR codes of your photo album, which is super useful if someone sent you a text or sent you a code.

Once you have scanned a code, the application automatically generates a security report indicating you whether the link is clean or summary. Do you want to go back and check something later? Hit the History Tab to see all your past analyzes, complete with date, link and security declaration.

2

Trendy micro-qr scanner

Although Lionic is almost free, Trend Micro Qr Scanner is completely free for Android users. It is also without advertising. On iOS, it is grouped inside the application tends Micro Mobile Security, which is heavier (around 130 MB) and requires a subscription. But if you are on Android, you are ready to go.

Trend Micro is a familiar name in the world of security, and this QR scanner is one of my favorites. It is less than 6.5 MB, which makes it ideal if you are tight on storage.

Unlike Lionic, no registration or account configuration is required. Just install and start scanning. The interface is quite simple, although the tabs are not labeled, so you will have to understand things yourself.

As expected, it warns you if the link behind a QR code is shaded. Not only does that, it allows you to define it to automatically open up safe ties and even choose your favorite browser.

To allow this:

• Press the three -point menu (upper right corner)

• Select Automatically open web pages

• Faucet Let me choose To choose your default browser

Like Lionic, it allows you to scan QR codes directly from your gallery (via the photo icon at the bottom of the screen) and has an integrated flashlight for dark environments.

Although the application never presents advertisements, it occasionally pushes you to go to the security micro mobile full trend for additional phishing protection, malware and quisling (phishing based on QR) attacks.

1

SCANNER SOPHOS INTERCEPT X QR

Unlike Lionic and Trend Micro, the Sophos Intercept X QR scanner is not an autonomous application. It is part of the wider Sophos Intercept X for the mobile safety suite, which is available for free on iOS and Android.

The application is around 27 MB before installation, not huge, but perhaps exaggerated if everything you need is a QR scanner. That said, if you do not already use a mobile security application, it gives you a ton of the blow for zero-dollars. In addition to the QR scanner, the Sophos application also protects you from malicious websites, scan your applications and works as a multi-factor authenticator, a password manager, etc.

The application has a clean interface, but obviously more complex, because there are many more features. The configuration involves additional steps, and it requires a lot of authorizations, which made me uncomfortable.

Another thing I don’t like? It automatically analyzes your apps installed when you launch it, and there is no clear way to deactivate this. (However, you can plan other analyzes to be performed when you wish.)

However, I like the integrated link auditor. You can activate it under the Network security tongue.

To access the QR scanner, open the application and:

• Press the menu icon (upper left corner)

• Select QR code scanner

• Grant the permission and digitization of the camera

The scan is smooth and fast, but some key features are missing. You cannot scan the codes of your photo gallery, there is no option of flashlight and no history journal – I consider that I consider basic for a QR scanner.

When testing these applications, I noticed contradictory results. For example, Trend Micro reported the URL http://wrs31.winshipway.com Also dangerous, while Lionic and Sophos marked it safely. When this happens, I check using several links like Virustotal Link Checker, Bitdefender Link Checker and Ipvanish Link Checker. It’s a bit like getting a second, third and fourth opinion. And they all returned clean for this particular link.

Although this approach may seem a little exaggerated, I prefer to be careful that compromises. The main thing is not to blindly digitize the QR codes, in particular from leaflets, posters, random texts or public places. Use your reasonable diligence and a secure QR scanner to get rid of where you were sent before your phone loads anything.